Cacao was introduced to Madagascar by French colonialists in the 19th century and the country now produces almost 3000 tonnes of beans per year. Cacao is cultivated mainly in the north west of the country, especially in the Sambirano valley, along the river that passes near the city of Amanja. The near Tsaratanana mountain chain and the trade winds, create a special micro climate in this valley, and during the rain season the Sambirano floods the banks, creating an extremely fertile soil and most favourable conditions for some crops, just like the cacao.